Communication in a crisis
Dec 19, 2024
Can someone press the buzzer?? 🚨🚨
Effective communication in airway rescue
Airway rescue is a time-critical, high-pressure scenario that causes significant stress and anxiety for those involved. An early call for help and effective communication within the team is essential to improve patient outcomes in a rescue scenario.
Communication is a key skill for crisis resource management, and there are many elements, layers, and styles of effective communication. Here is a rundown of the most commonly used and effective methods for ensuring good communication:
🩺 Closed-loop communication
Closed-loop communication is a process used to ensure clarity and accuracy in exchanges between individuals, particularly in critical situations. It involves a sender conveying a message, the receiver acknowledging it, and the sender confirming the acknowledgment. The key element is the feedback loop, where the receiver repeats or paraphrases the message to ensure it was understood correctly.
🩹 Graded assertiveness - using the PACE approach
Graded assertiveness using the PACE approach is a technique for progressively communicating more assertively in response to increasing levels of urgency or resistance. PACE stands for Probe, Alert, Challenge, and Emergency. Initially, the communicator probes by asking questions to gather information, then alerts by highlighting concerns. If these steps don’t lead to action, the communicator challenges by stating the importance of addressing the issue. In the final stage, emergency actions are taken when necessary, with clear, direct statements to ensure immediate attention.
🩺 Creating a shared mental model
A shared mental model refers to the collective understanding and alignment among team members about a task, goal, or situation. It involves a common framework of knowledge, expectations, and assumptions that help individuals coordinate their actions effectively. In a shared mental model, all team members have a clear understanding of roles, responsibilities, objectives, and the strategies to achieve them. This shared understanding enhances communication, reduces misunderstandings, and improves decision-making, especially in complex situations. It is crucial for collaboration, as it ensures everyone is on the same page, working toward the same outcomes with a unified approach.
💉 Centralising the flow of communication to the team leader
💊 Establishing names and roles
🚑 Minimising unnecessary noise and foot traffic
🩹 Establishing a safe environment where all team members feel comfortable speaking up and contributing
Airway rescue scenarios are high pressure and time critical, but take a deep breath and remember these key elements so you can navigate your next rescue calmly and smoothly!
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References:
Gandotra, S. (2024). Nontechnical skills and crisis resource management in the operating room. WFSA. https://resources.wfsahq.org/wp-content/uploads/ATOW_521.pdf
Gleeson, S., Groom, P., Mercer, S. (2016). Human factors in complex airway management. BJA ED. DOI: 10.1093/bjaed/mkv045
Nickson, C. (2024) Communication in a Crisis. Life in the Fastlane. https://litfl.com/communication-in-a-crisis/
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